​Realizing that there has been an injustice towards females in country music, I have really tried to improve my coverage of female artists. It is not a pity party or working to fill a quota. Rather, it’s been more self-awareness that I haven’t done my part to share the female artists I enjoy or come across. It’s not sexist and it was simply because the men are talked about more. It really made me think about why, and I truthfully haven’t been able to come up with a good reason. But I do know, that it isn’t just in mainstream country where it’s a problem, it’s also in Texas.

Shortly after discussing the impressive talent and booming vocals of Dillon Carmichael, I saw that he has once again released a killer new tune. What I have appreciated about each release from Carmichael, is his consistent commitment to traditional country music. By staying true to the style of country he enjoys, it flows with such natural ease. And in turn, I can’t help but view him as a genuine country boy who just wants to share his music with all who will listen.

They say to never judge a book by it’s cover as you just never know what lies within. When I saw the title of a song called, “Stripper for a Week” by Jenny Tolman, I had no idea what to expect. It’s an interesting choice for a song title in country music because it isn’t exactly “the norm.” With today’s mainstream tailgate-beer-drinking topics, it is easy to forget about the side of country where artists base songs around “shock and awe.” After becoming addicted to Jenny Tolman’s smart and cheeky narrative style, I think she’s going to set the world on fire in 2018 with Jennyville.
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We’ve all been there before, thinking rashly and not paying attention to what comes out of our mouth. There are times where they blow over, and have no effect, but sometimes we aren’t so lucky. It can end up costing you a friendship or relationship and leave you regretting your words. Up and coming Texas artist, Wynn Williams was able to cut a powerful song, Words Fly that tries to ensure we realize how our words can affect others. That little bit of self-awareness and thinking before you speak, could save you from a whole world of hurt that you’ll regret.

The rise of Koe Wetzel is fascinating to watch and should be a lesson for just about anyone looking to leave their mark in a chosen industry. If you’re new to Texas music or unfamiliar to Koe in general, you will either look him up on your own, or in time you will have no choice. His growth has been exponential, blowing past many seasoned veterans who have been on the scene for years. His music is not exactly particularly deep, but somehow, it just works, and I have found myself being sucked into this young artist’s music. Pretty soon, you likely will be too.

​I spend a lot of my time discussing artists that are based thousands of miles away from New England. Here we lack a prominent music scene and accessible venues as much of that resides in the cities – often not easily visited during the week. If you see the same people attending local Texas/Indie country shows, it becomes a little community that tends to keep in touch to link up at future shows. Something I never really thought about, was the local artists in my area that find influence in the very acts that I discuss. We obviously have a lot of Texas/Americana fans up here, so wouldn’t it make sense if some of those fans are artists themselves? Earlier in January I received a nice letter and physical CD from a local artist, Matt York who just happened to be from one town over from me. I decided to dig into his music and see what this local artist has to offer.

​I have found myself on a female artist kick as of late and I have been finding a goldmine of talent. It’s a tough time for female artists because they just have not been getting airplay on national radio and have not seen the same amount of coverage as their male counterparts. Back in December, my buddy Doug (of IOUMusic) and I had discussed the current landscape of country music. The conclusion that we arrived at, is that there is an extreme lack of female artists being pushed, but also noted that we should not just push female artists for the sake of “filling a quota.” We want to focus on the real talent, not hitting a number to be politically correct. The women I have chosen to discuss are ones that I feel are worthy of the press and represent immense talent. The talent pool should not be narrowed to certain numbers, but rather who is talented and fit for discussion. A young lady by the name of Laci Kaye Booth, is incredibly worthy of both discussion and exploration into her music career.

​Well it’s that time of year yet again. It’s cold as hell, the ground is frozen and the pavement in cold and an uninviting shade of grey. But have no fear, one of my favorite bands is coming to New England! Tonight, Friday January 26th, the boys of Whiskey Myers are having a free concert at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT!

​One of the hardest things a person can do is share their art with the world. You start to second guess yourself once you release it. You’ll start asking yourself, “Will people enjoy my work?” If you harp on that too long, it can become a dangerous hit to your confidence and you may stop putting your work out altogether. Heather Rayleen has been working diligently to debut her first release, Falling for You after playing fiddle for artists such as the Scooter Brown Band and Cody Johnson. I’m a believer in being well rounded, and having a solid background in performing before going out on your own, is always a good thing to have.

​There’s not much more I like to talk about than the awesome young Texas talent that keeps making noise in the Lonestar state. Remember friends, those that are coming up the ranks now, are the big and bright stars of tomorrow. A few months back I was thumbing through Spotify and saw a name I hadn’t heard before and decided to give it a go. It’s one of the moments where it can be incredibly rewarding taking a chance with a new artist, or one you fail to visit again. I can assure you, I have been listening to that young man a lot. San Antonio’s very own, Clay Hollis.